2020 Ohio State Buckeyes football team

The 2020 Ohio State Buckeyes football team represented Ohio State University in the 2020 NCAA Division I FBS football season. They were led by second-year head coach Ryan Day, and played their home games at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio. It was the Buckeyes' 131st season overall and 108th as a member of the Big Ten Conference.

2020 Ohio State Buckeyes football
Sugar Bowl champion
Big Ten champion
Big Ten East Division champion
ConferenceBig Ten Conference
DivisionEast Division
Ranking
CoachesNo. 2
APNo. 2
2020 record7–1 (5–0 Big Ten)
Head coach
Offensive coordinatorKevin Wilson (4th season)
Offensive schemeWest Coast Spread
Defensive coordinatorKerry Coombs (1st season)
Co-defensive coordinatorGreg Mattison (2nd season)
Captains
Home stadiumOhio Stadium
(Capacity: 102,780)
2020 Big Ten Conference football standings
Conf  Overall
Team W L    W L 
East Division
No. 2 Ohio State xy$^  5 –0     7 –1  
No. 12 Indiana  6 –1     6 –2  
Penn State  4 –5     4 –5  
Maryland  2 –3     2 –3  
Rutgers  3 –6     3 –6  
Michigan  2 –4     2 –4  
Michigan State  2 –5     2 –5  
West Division
No. 10 Northwestern xy  6 –1     7 –2  
No. 16 Iowa  6 –2     6 –2  
Wisconsin  3 –3     4 –3  
Minnesota  3 –4     3 –4  
Nebraska  3 –5     3 –5  
Purdue  2 –4     2 –4  
Illinois  2 –6     2 –6  
Championship: Ohio State 22, Northwestern 10
  • ^ – College Football Playoff participant
  • $ – Conference champion
  • x – Division champion/co-champions
  • y – Championship game participant
  • Note: Due to COVID-19, the Big Ten suspended the season on August 11, but later decided to begin play on October 24. In addition to the title game that was played on December 19, the conference seeded all remaining teams for "championship week" games.[1]
Rankings from AP Poll.

The season was played amidst the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The Big Ten Conference initially cancelled the fall sports season, on August 11, 2020,[2] but reversed course on September 16, announcing an eight game conference-only schedule.[3][4] Ohio State's nonconference games against Bowling Green, Oregon, and Buffalo were cancelled. Precautions were taken to promote player, staff, and fan safety, including regular COVID-19 testing, isolation requirements, and mask wearing; games were largely played with no or few fans in attendance.

Ohio State began the season ranked second in the preseason AP Poll. In the regular season, the team secured victories against ranked opponents Penn State and Indiana, but had games canceled, due to COVID-19 outbreaks, against Maryland, Illinois and Michigan. Big Ten Conference rules established before the season specified that teams would need to complete at least six conference games in order to be eligible for the conference championship game. After Ohio State's game against Michigan was canceled, and Ohio State having only completed five games, the conference voted to change these rules and allow the undefeated Ohio State team to represent the East Division. The conference cited the fact that Ohio State would have won the division with either a win or loss against Michigan.[5] In the conference title game, Ohio State defeated West Division champion Northwestern, 22–10, winning their fourth consecutive Big Ten title. In the final College Football Playoff rankings of the season, Ohio State was ranked third, earning them a place in the national semi-final game to be played at the Sugar Bowl against second-seeded Clemson. In that game, a rematch of the previous season's semifinal, Ohio State won by a score of 49–28. The team advanced to the CFP National Championship against top-seeded Alabama, who had advanced by winning the Rose Bowl. The Buckeyes lost, 52–24.

The Buckeye offense was led by junior quarterback Justin Fields, who led the Big Ten Conference with 2,100 passing yards and 22 passing touchdowns, and was named the conference's Offensive Player of the Year. The team's leading rushers were Trey Sermon and Master Teague, the former setting a school record with 331 rushing yards in the Big Ten Championship Game. Wide receivers Chris Olave and Garrett Wilson were each named first-team all-conference. Offensive lineman Wyatt Davis was a consensus All-American and the conference's Offensive Lineman of the Year. On defense, the team featured consensus All-American cornerback Shaun Wade, who was the conference's Defensive Back of the Year. Linebacker Pete Werner was also named first-team all-conference and led the team in tackles.

Previous season
See also: 2019 Ohio State Buckeyes football team

The Buckeyes finished the 2019 season 13–1, 9–0 in Big Ten play to win the East division. They defeated Wisconsin in the Big Ten Championship 34–21. Subsequently, they received an invitation to the College Football Playoff, where they lost to Clemson 29–23 in the Fiesta Bowl.

Schedule

Ohio State had games scheduled against Bowling Green, Oregon, and Buffalo, but canceled these games on July 9 due to the Big Ten Conference's decision to play a conference-only schedule due to the COVID-19 pandemic.[6] The Big Ten successfully voted to postpone all fall sports, including football, on August 11,[7] but announced on September 16 that the decision had been reversed, and that the football season would begin on October 23.[8]

In Big Ten Conference play, Ohio State will play all members of the East Division and the Nebraska Cornhuskers and Illinois Fighting Illini from the West Division. On November 11, Maryland announced the game scheduled for November 14 was canceled due after team-related activities were paused because of an elevated number of coronavirus cases within the Terrapins' program.[9]

On November 27, it was announced that head coach Ryan Day contracted COVID-19 and was in self isolation. Larry Johnson was named interim head coach for the Illinois game to be played on November 28. On the evening of November 27, the Ohio State - Illinois game was officially canceled as the OSU athletic department paused all team-related football activities amid further positive tests for COVID-19 were discovered.[10]

On December 8, Michigan announced the game scheduled for December 12 was canceled and all team-related activities were paused because of an elevated number of coronavirus cases within the Wolverines' program.[11] Due to the cancellation, Ohio State would have not reached the 6 game minimum for the Big Ten Championship Game, but the conference lowered the minimum requirement to 5 games, allowing the team to face the Northwestern Wildcats in the championship game.

On December 19, Ohio State beat the Northwestern Wildcats in the Big Ten Championship game 22-10. The following day, the Buckeyes were selected as the No. 3 seed by the College Football Playoff Selection Committee, resulting in a spot in the Sugar Bowl against the No. 2 Clemson Tigers.

On January 1, 2021, the Ohio State defeated the Clemson Tigers in the Sugar Bowl 49–28, advancing them to the College Football Playoff National Championship game against the No. 1 Alabama Crimson Tide.

DateTimeOpponentRankSiteTVResultAttendance
October 24NoonNebraskaNo. 5
FoxW 52–171,344
October 317:30 p.m.at No. 18 Penn StateNo. 3
ABCW 38–251,500
November 77:30 p.m.RutgersNo. 3
  • Ohio Stadium
  • Columbus, OH
BTNW 49–271,275
November 143:30 p.m.at MarylandNo. 3
BTNNo Contest [12] –
November 21NoonNo. 9 IndianaNo. 3
FoxW 42–35635
November 28Noonat IllinoisNo. 4
FS1No Contest[10] –
December 5Noonat Michigan StateNo. 4
ABCW 52–120
December 12 Noon at MichiganNo. 4
FoxNo Contest[11] –
December 19Noonvs. No. 14 NorthwesternNo. 4
FoxW 22–103,178
January 1, 20218:00 p.m.vs. No. 2 Clemson*No. 3
ESPNW 49–283,000
January 11, 20218:00 p.m.vs. No. 1 Alabama*No. 3
ESPNL 24–5214,926
Schedule Source:[13]

Rankings
Further information: 2020 NCAA Division I FBS football rankings
Ranking movements
Legend: ██ Increase in ranking. ██ Decrease in ranking.
NR = Not ranked. RV = Received votes. т = Tied with team above or below. ( ) = First place votes.
Week
Poll Pre 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 Final 
AP 2 (21) 2* –* –* 6 (4) 6 (2) 6 5 3 3 3 (1) 3 3 3 3 3 3 2 
Coaches 2 (17) 2* –* 10 (2) 6 (2) 6 (2) 5 (2) 5 (2) 3 (2) 3 (2) 3 (3) 3 (1) 3 (1) 4 (1) 4 (1) 4 3 2 
CFP Not released 4 4 4 4 3 Not released

(*) Big Ten Conference members were not eligible for the Week 2 of the AP and Coaches Polls and Week 3 of the AP due to not having a scheduled season at the time.

Roster
2020 Ohio State Buckeyes football team roster
Players Coaches
Offense
Pos.#NameClass
QB 1 Justin Fields (C) Jr
WR 2 Chris Olave Jr
RB 3 Demario McCall Sr
WR 4 Julian Fleming Fr
WR 5 Garrett Wilson So
WR 6 Jameson Williams So
WR 7 Kamryn Babb  So
RB 8 Trey Sermon GS
QB 9 Jack Miller III Fr
WR 10 Mookie Cooper Fr
WR 11 Jaxon Smith-Njigba Fr
QB 12 Gunner Hoak GS
WR 13 Gee Scott Jr. Fr
QB 14 C. J. Stroud Fr
WR 15 Jaylen Harris Sr
TE 16 Cade Stover  Fr
QB 17 Danny Vanatsky Jr
QB 18 J.P. Andrade So
QB 19 Jagger LaRoe So
RB 22 Steele Chambers  Fr
RB 24 Marcus Crowley So
RB 25 Xavier Johnson So
RB 28 Miyan Williams Fr
RB 33 Master Teague III So
WR 38 Marvin Davies Fr
RB 43 Robert Cope Jr
TE 49 Patrick Gurd Fr
C 50 Nathan Brock Sr
OL 52 Wyatt Davis (C)  Jr
OL 53 Luke Wypler Fr
OL 55 Matthew Jones  So
OL 59 Zach Stevenson So
OL 60 Ryan Smith So
OL 61 Gabin Cupp GS
OL 62 Chris Kuhn Jr
OL 64 Jack Jamieson Jr
OL 66 Enokk Vimahi  Fr
OL 67 Jakob James Fr
OL 68 Ryan Jacoby  Fr
OL 69 Trey LeRoux Fr
OL 70 Josh Fryar Fr
OL 71 Josh Myers (C) Jr
OL 73 Grant Toutant Fr
OL 74 Max Wray So
OL 75 Thayler Munford Sr
OL 76 Harry Miller So
OL 77 Paris Johnson Jr. Fr
OT 78 Nicholas Petit-Frere  So
OL 79 Dawand Jones So
TE 80 Corey Rau Sr
TE 81 Jake Hausmann Sr
WR 82 Sam Wiglusz Jr
TE 84 Joe Royer Fr
WR 85 Austin Kutscher Jr
WR 86 Chris Booker Sr
WR 87 Ellijah Gardiner Jr
TE 88 Jeremy Ruckert Jr
TE 89 Luke Farrell Sr
 Defense
Pos.#NameClass
DE 0 Jonathon Cooper (C)  GS
S 2 Kourt Williams Fr
LB 3 Teradja Mitchell Jr
CB 4 LeJond Cavazos Fr
LB 5 Baron Browning Sr
DT 6 Taron Vincent So
CB 7 Sevyn Banks Jr
DE 8 Javontae Jean-Baptiste  So
DE 9 Zach Harrison So
S 10 Cameron Martinez Fr
DE 11 Tyreke Smith Jr
S 12 Lathan Ransom Fr
CB 13 Tyreke Johnson  So
S 14 Ronnie Hickman So
CB 16 Ryan Watts Fr
S 17 Bryson Shaw  Fr
LB 19 Dallas Gant Jr
LB 20 Pete Werner Sr
CB 21 Marcus Williamson Sr
S 23 Marcus Hooker  So
CB 24 Shaun Wade (C)  Jr
LB 25 Craig Young So
CB 26 Cameron Brown Jr
CB 29 Darryl Sinclair Sr
S 30 Kevin Dever Jr
LB 32 Tuf Borland (C) GS
S 34 Alec Taylor Jr
LB 35 Tommy Eichenberg  Fr
LB 36 K'Vaughn Pope Jr
LB 37 Mitchell Melton Fr
S 38 Cameron Kittle Fr
LB 39 Cody Simon Fr
S 41 Josh Proctor Jr
CB 42 Lloyd McFarquhar Jr
S 43 Ryan Batsch  Jr
LB 44 Ben Schmiesing Jr
LB 46 Cade Kacherski Jr
LB 47 Justin Hilliard (C) GS
LB 51 Trayvon Wilburn Jr
DT 52 Antwuan Jackson GS
DE 54 Tyler Friday Jr
DT 55 Jerron Cage Jr
DL 56 Aaron Cox Sr
DT 57 Zaid Hamdan Jr
DL 58 Ty Hamilton Fr
DL 59 Darrion Henry-Young Fr
DT 72 Tommy Togiai Jr
DL 83 Cormontae Hamilton  Fr
DT 90 Jaden McKenzie  Fr
DT 92 Haskell Garrett Sr
DL 93 Jacolbe Cowan Fr
DE 97 Noah Potter Fr
 Special teams
Pos.#NameClass
K 28 Dominic Dimaccio Jr
P 29 Zach Hoover Sr
LS 42 Bradley Robinson Sr
P 91 Drue Chrisman GS
LS 94 Roen McCullough Jr
K 95 Blake Haubeil Sr
P 96 Michael O'Shaughnessy So
K 98 Jake Seibert Fr
Head coach
Coordinators/assistant coaches
  • Larry Johnson (Associate Head Coach / Defensive Line)
  • Greg Mattison (Co-Defensive Coordinator)
  • Kerry Coombs (Co-Defensive Coordinator / Secondary)
  • Kevin Wilson (Offensive Coordinator / Tight Ends)
  • Al Washington (Linebackers)
  • Tony Alford (Assistant Head Coach for Offense / Running Backs)
  • Brian Hartline (Wide Receivers)
  • Greg Studrawa (Offensive Line)
  • Matt Barnes (Special Teams Coordinator / Safeties)
  • Corey Dennis (Quarterbacks)
  • Billy Fessler (Graduate Assistant - Offense)
  • Kennedy Cook (Graduate Assistant - Offense)
  • Joe Bolden (Graduate Assistant - Defense)
  • Grayson Miller (Graduate Assistant - Defense)
  • Keenan Bailey (Quality Control Coach - Offense)
  • Parker Fleming (Quality Control Coach - Special Teams)
  • Drew Christ (Quality Control Coach - Defense)
  • Mickey Marotti (Assistant Athletic Director / Director of Football)
  • Gene Smith (Vice President / Athletic Director)
Legend
  • (C) Team captain
  • (S) Suspended
  • (I) Ineligible
  • Injured
  • Redshirt

Roster

Game summaries

Nebraska
Ohio State vs. Nebraska
1 234Total
Nebraska 7 730 17
• No. 5 Ohio State 14 101414 52
See also: 2020 Nebraska Cornhuskers football team

The No. 5 Ohio State Buckeyes defeated the Nebraska Cornhuskers 52–17, in what was both programs' season debut. Both programs were reportedly behind the movement to reinstate Big Ten Football in the Fall.[14] The game was featured on Fox College Football's Big Noon Kickoff, with the hosts on location. The Ohio State Buckeyes were 27.5-point favorites.[15]

StatisticsNebraskaOhio State
First downs1728
Plays–yards56–37769–498
Rushes–yards36–21748–222
Passing yards160276
Passing: Comp–Att–Int16–20–020–21–0
Time of possession26:4633:14
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
NebraskaPassingAdrian Martinez12–15, 105 yards
RushingLuke McCaffrey19 carries, 87 yards
ReceivingWan'dale Robinson6 receptions, 49 yards
Ohio StatePassingJustin Fields20–21, 276 yds, 2 TD
RushingTrey Sermon11 carries, 55 yards
ReceivingGarrett Wilson7 receptions, 129 yards, 1 TD
Scoring summary
Quarter Time Drive Team Scoring information Score
Plays Yards TOP Nebraska Ohio State
1 13:09 4 76 1:51 Nebraska Martinez 10-yard touchdown run, Culp kick good 7 0
1 8:04 11 75 5:05 Ohio State Teague III 1-yard touchdown run, Haubeil kick good 7 7
1 4:02 6 76 2:18 Ohio State Wilson 42-yard touchdown reception from Fields, Haubeil kick good 7 14
2 8:24 11 78 5:17 Nebraska Mills 3-yard touchdown run, Culp kick good 14 14
2 3:12 11 71 5:07 Ohio State 34-yard field goal by Haubeil 14 17
2 1:10 6 46 1:15 Ohio State Teague III 6-yard touchdown run, Haubeil kick good 14 24
3 11:24 8 75 3:36 Ohio State Fields 17-yard touchdown run, Haubeil kick good 14 31
3 8:02 0 0 0:00 Ohio State Fumble recovery returned 55 yards for touchdown by Banks, Haubeil kick good 14 38
3 3:56 9 72 4:00 Nebraska 22-yard field goal by Culp 17 38
4 9:58 7 42 3:18 Ohio State Smith-Njigba 5-yard touchdown reception from Fields, Haubeil kick good 17 45
4 0:18 6 40 2:35 Ohio State Miller III 2-yard touchdown run, Haubeil kick good 17 52
"TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. 17 52

at No. 18 Penn State
No. 3 Ohio State at No. 18 Penn State
1 234Total
• No. 3 Ohio State 14 7107 38
No. 18 Penn State 3 3712 25
See also: 2020 Penn State Nittany Lions football team and Ohio State–Penn State football rivalry

The No. 3 Ohio State Buckeyes defeated the No. 18 Penn State Nittany Lions 38–25 in their annual rivalry game. It was the first time since 2009, that Penn State hosted Ohio State without the White Out due to crowd restrictions from the COVID-19 pandemic. The game was featured on ESPN Saturday Night Football on ABC and hosted the College GameDay. The Ohio State Buckeyes were 10.5 point favorites.

Justin Fields was named co–Offensive Player of the Week for the Big Ten for completing 28 of 34 passing attempts for 318 yards and four touchdowns. Defensive tackle Tommy Togiai was named Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week for his performance which included seven tackles and three sacks.

StatisticsOhio StatePenn State
First downs2420
Plays–yards79–52657–325
Rushes–yards20844
Passing yards318281
Passing: Comp–Att–Int28–34–018–30–1
Time of possession37:0122:59
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
Ohio StatePassingJustin Fields28–34, 318 yards, 4 TD
RushingMaster Teague III23 carries, 110 yards, 1 TD
ReceivingChris Olave7 receptions, 120 yards, 2 TD
Penn StatePassingSean Clifford18–30, 281 yards, 3 TD, 1 INT
RushingDevyn Ford8 carries, 36 yards
ReceivingJahan Dotson8 receptions, 144 yds, 3 TD
Scoring summary
Quarter Time Drive Team Scoring information Score
Plays Yards TOP Ohio State Penn State
1 13:43 3 75 1:17 Ohio State Teague III 4-yard touchdown run, Haubeil kick good 7 0
1 8:39 5 45 2:42 Ohio State Olave 26-yard touchdown reception from Fields, Haubeil kick good 14 0
1 2:57 11 61 5:42 Penn State 31-yard field goal by Pinegar 14 3
2 2:23 15 89 6:06 Ohio State Ruckert 26-yard touchdown reception from Fields, DiMaccio kick good 21 3
2 0:00 1 0 0:01 Penn State 50-yard field goal by Stout 21 6
3 11:14 8 75 3:46 Penn State Dotson 14-yard touchdown reception from Cliford, Pinegar kick good 21 13
3 8:41 8 75 2:33 Ohio State Olave 49-yard touchdown reception from Fields, DiMaccio kick good 28 13
3 1:02 12 65 6:02 Ohio State 22-yard field goal by DiMaccio 31 13
4 14:30 5 75 1:32 Penn State Dotson 21-yard touchdown reception from Clifford, 2-point run failed 31 19
4 9:14 12 75 5:16 Ohio State Ruckert 1-yard touchdown reception from Fields, DiMaccio kick good 38 19
4 6:27 7 75 2:47 Penn State Dotson 20-yard touchdown reception from Clifford, 2-point pass failed 38 25
"TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. 38 25

Rutgers
No. 3 Ohio State vs. Rutgers
1 234Total
Rutgers 3 0618 27
• No. 3 Ohio State 7 2877 49
See also: 2020 Rutgers Scarlet Knights football team

The No. 3 Ohio State Buckeyes defeated the Rutgers Scarlet Knights 49–27. The game was featured on BTN. The Ohio State Buckeyes were 37.5 point favorites.

StatisticsRutgersOhio State
First downs2225
Plays–yards81–37365–517
Rushes–yards141203
Passing yards232314
Passing: Comp–Att–Int34–49–024–28–0
Time of possession28:5131:09
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
RutgersPassingNoah Vedral22–33, 168 yards
RushingIsaih Pacheco7 carries, 68 yards
ReceivingBo Melton7 receptions, 86 yards
Ohio StatePassingJustin Fields24–28, 314 yards, 5 TD
RushingTrey Sermon12 carries, 68 yards
ReceivingGarrett Wilson6 receptions, 104 yards, 1 TD
Scoring summary
Quarter Time Drive Team Scoring information Score
Plays Yards TOP Rutgers Ohio State
{{{Quarter}}} {{{Team}}} {{{Visitor}}} {{{Home}}}
"TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. 27 49

at Maryland (Cancelled)
No. 3 Ohio State at Maryland (Cancelled)
1 234Total
No. 3 Ohio State 0 000 0
Maryland 0 000 0
See also: 2020 Maryland Terrapins football team

The Ohio State at Maryland game was canceled due to a COVID-19 outbreak within the Maryland football program. The game will not be rescheduled. Instead, both teams will have a bye and will play just seven games..[12]

StatisticsOhio StateMaryland
First downs––
Plays–yards––
Rushes–yards––
Passing yards––
Passing: Comp–Att–Int––
Time of possession––
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
Ohio StatePassing––
Rushing––
Receiving––
MarylandPassing––
Rushing––
Receiving––
Scoring summary
Quarter Time Drive Team Scoring information Score
Plays Yards TOP Ohio State Maryland
{{{Quarter}}} {{{Team}}} {{{Visitor}}} {{{Home}}}
"TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football.

No. 9 Indiana
No. 3 Ohio State vs. No. 9 Indiana
1 234Total
No. 9 Indiana 0 71414 35
• No. 3 Ohio State 7 21140 42
See also: 2020 Indiana Hoosiers football team

The No. 3 Ohio State Buckeyes defeated the No. 9 Indiana Hoosiers 42–35. The game was featured on Fox College Football's Big Noon Kickoff. The Ohio State Buckeyes were 21 point favorites.

StatisticsIndianaOhio State
First downs
Plays–yards
Rushes–yards
Passing yards
Passing: Comp–Att–Int
Time of possession
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
IndianaPassing
Rushing
Receiving
Ohio StatePassing
Rushing
Receiving
Scoring summary
Quarter Time Drive Team Scoring information Score
Plays Yards TOP Indiana Ohio State
{{{Quarter}}} {{{Team}}} {{{Visitor}}} {{{Home}}}
"TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football.

at Illinois (Cancelled)
No. 4 Ohio State at Illinois (Cancelled)
1 234Total
No. 4 Ohio State 0 000 0
Illinois 0 000 0
See also: 2020 Illinois Fighting Illini football team and Illinois–Ohio State football rivalry

The No. 4 Ohio State at Illinois game was canceled due to a COVID-19 outbreak within the Ohio State football program. The game will not be rescheduled. Instead, both teams will have a bye and Illinois will play just seven games, while Ohio State will play just six games.[10]

StatisticsOhio StateIllinois
First downs––
Plays–yards––
Rushes–yards––
Passing yards––
Passing: Comp–Att–Int––
Time of possession––
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
Ohio StatePassing––
Rushing––
Receiving––
IllinoisPassing––
Rushing––
Receiving––
Scoring summary
Quarter Time Drive Team Scoring information Score
Plays Yards TOP Ohio State Illinois
{{{Quarter}}} {{{Team}}} {{{Visitor}}} {{{Home}}}
"TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football.

at Michigan State
No. 4 Ohio State at Michigan State
1 234Total
• No. 4 Ohio State 14 141014 52
Michigan State 0 075 12
See also: 2020 Michigan State Spartans football team

The No. 4 Ohio State Buckeyes defeated the Michigan State Spartans 52–12. The game was featured on ESPN College Football on ABC. The Ohio State Buckeyes were 24 point favorites. Ohio State head coach Ryan Day did not coach due to COVID-19 protocols after a positive COVID-19 test. Instead, associate head coach Larry Johnson was acting head coach, serving as the first black head coach in Buckeye football history.

StatisticsOhio StateMichigan State
First downs
Plays–yards
Rushes–yards
Passing yards
Passing: Comp–Att–Int
Time of possession
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
Ohio StatePassing199
Rushing322
Receiving
Michigan StatePassing180
Rushing81
Receiving
Scoring summary
Quarter Time Drive Team Scoring information Score
Plays Yards TOP Ohio State Michigan State
{{{Quarter}}} {{{Team}}} {{{Visitor}}} {{{Home}}}
"TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football.

Michigan (Cancelled)
No. 4 Ohio State vs. Michigan (Cancelled)
1 234Total
Michigan 0 000 0
No. 4 Ohio State 0 000 0
See also: 2020 Michigan Wolverines football team and Michigan–Ohio State football rivalry

The Michigan at No. 4 Ohio State game was canceled due to a COVID-19 outbreak within the Michigan football program. The game will not be rescheduled.[11]

StatisticsMichiganOhio State
First downs
Plays–yards
Rushes–yards
Passing yards
Passing: Comp–Att–Int
Time of possession
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
MichiganPassing
Rushing
Receiving
Ohio StatePassing
Rushing
Receiving
Scoring summary
Quarter Time Drive Team Scoring information Score
Plays Yards TOP Michigan Ohio State
{{{Quarter}}} {{{Team}}} {{{Visitor}}} {{{Home}}}
"TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football.

vs. No. 14 Northwestern
No. 4 Ohio State vs. No. 14 Northwestern
(Big Ten Championship)
1 234Total
No. 14 Northwestern 7 300 10
• No. 4 Ohio State 3 379 22
See also: 2020 Big Ten Football Championship Game and 2020 Northwestern Wildcats football team

The No. 4 Ohio State Buckeyes defeated the No. 14 Northwestern Wildcats 22–10 in the Big Ten Championship Game. The Ohio State Buckeyes were 16.5 point favorites.

StatisticsNorthwesternOhio State
First downs1924
Plays–yards71–32971–513
Rushes–yards34–10544–399
Passing yards224114
Passing: Comp–Att–Int24–37–212–27–2
Time of possession28:4031:20
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
NorthwesternPassingPeyton Ramsey24/37, 224 yards, 2 INT
RushingCam Porter16 carries, 61 yards, 1 TD
ReceivingRamaud Chiaokhiao-Bowman8 receptions, 103 yards
Ohio StatePassingJustin Fields12/27, 114 yards, 2 INT
RushingTrey Sermon29 carries, 331 yards, 2 TD
ReceivingJulian Fleming4 receptions, 53 yards
Scoring summary
Quarter Time Drive Team Scoring information Score
Plays Yards TOP Northwestern Ohio State
{{{Quarter}}} {{{Team}}} {{{Visitor}}} {{{Home}}}
"TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football.

vs. No. 2 Clemson
No. 3 Ohio State vs. No. 2 Clemson
(Sugar Bowl–CFP Semifinal)
1 234Total
• No. 3 Ohio State 14 2177 49
No. 2 Clemson 14 077 28
See also: 2021 Sugar Bowl and 2020 Clemson Tigers football team

The No. 3 Ohio State Buckeyes defeated the No. 2 Clemson Tigers 49–28 in the Sugar Bowl at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana. The Ohio State Buckeyes were 7 point underdogs to the Clemson Tigers.

StatisticsOhio StateClemson
First downs2623
Plays–yards72–63970–444
Rushes–yards44–25422–44
Passing yards385400
Passing: Comp–Att–Int22–28–133–48–1
Time of possession34:0525:55
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
Ohio StatePassingJustin Fields22/28, 385 yards, 6 TD, 1 INT
RushingTrey Sermon31 carries, 193 yards, 1 TD
ReceivingChris Olave6 receptions, 132 yards, 2 TD
ClemsonPassingTrevor Lawrence33/48, 400 yards, 2 TD, 1 INT
RushingTravis Etienne10 carries, 32 yards, 1 TD
ReceivingCornell Powell8 receptions, 139 yards, 2 TD
Scoring summary
Quarter Time Drive Team Scoring information Score
Plays Yards TOP Ohio State Clemson
{{{Quarter}}} {{{Team}}} {{{Visitor}}} {{{Home}}}
"TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football.

vs. No. 1 Alabama
No. 3 Ohio State vs. No. 1 Alabama
(CFP National Championship)
1 234Total
No. 3 Ohio State 7 1070 24
• No. 1 Alabama 7 28107 52
See also: 2021 College Football Playoff National Championship and 2020 Alabama Crimson Tide football team

The No. 3 Ohio State Buckeyes will take on the No. 1 Alabama Crimson Tide in the CFP National Championship at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida. The Ohio State Buckeyes enter the game as 8.5 point underdogs to the Alabama Crimson Tide.[18]

StatisticsOhio StateAlabama
First downs1933
Plays–yards62-34183-621
Rushes–yards29-14738-157
Passing yards194464
Passing: Comp–Att–Int17-33-036-45-0
Time of possession22:3437:26
TeamCategoryPlayerStatistics
Ohio StatePassingJustin Fields17/33, 194 yards, 1 TD
RushingJustin Fields6 carries, 67 yards
ReceivingChris Olave8 receptions, 69 yards
AlabamaPassingMac Jones36/45, 464 yards, 5 TD
RushingNajee Harris22 carries, 79 yards, 2 TD
ReceivingDeVonta Smith12 receptions, 215 yards, 3 TD
Scoring summary
Quarter Time Drive Team Scoring information Score
Plays Yards TOP Ohio State Alabama
{{{Quarter}}} {{{Team}}} {{{Visitor}}} {{{Home}}}
"TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football.

Awards and honors
Weekly Awards
Player Award Date Awarded Ref.
Justin Fields Big Ten co–Offensive Player of the Week November 2, 2020 [19]
Tommy Togiai Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week November 2, 2020 [19]

Notes

    References
    1. Stevens, Matthew. "Big Ten To Play A "Championship Weekend" 9th Game Of 2020 Season". Sports Illustrated. Retrieved September 17, 2020.
    2. "Big Ten Statement on 2020-21 Fall Season". bigten.org. August 11, 2020. Retrieved August 11, 2020.
    3. "Big Ten football to resume weekend of Oct. 24". ESPN.com. 16 September 2020. Retrieved 16 September 2020.
    4. "The Big Ten Conference Adopts Stringent Medical Protocols; Football Season to Resume October 23-24, 2020". bigten.org. September 16, 2020. Retrieved September 16, 2020.
    5. Kaufman, Joey; Rabinowitz, Bill (December 9, 2020). "Big Ten amends rule allowing Ohio State to play in conference title game". USA Today.
    6. Myerberg, Paul. "Big Ten football reduces season schedule to only conference games, maybe setting stage for others to follow". USA TODAY. Retrieved 10 July 2020.
    7. Michigan–Ohio State football rivalry
    8. https://www.nytimes.com/2020/09/16/sports/ncaafootball/covid-big-ten-football-season.html
    9. Dinich, Heather (November 11, 2020). "Maryland vs. No. 3 Ohio State off due to coronavirus". ESPN. Retrieved November 11, 2020.
    10. Rabinowitz, Bill (November 27, 2020). "Ohio State vs. Illinois football game canceled amid more positive COVID-19 tests". USA Today. Retrieved December 10, 2020.
    11. VanHaaren, Tom (December 8, 2020). "Michigan-Ohio State football game called off due to COVID-19 cases with Wolverines". ESPN.com. Retrieved December 8, 2020.
    12. Dinich, Heather (November 11, 2020). "Maryland vs. No. 3 Ohio State off due to coronavirus". ESPN. Retrieved November 11, 2020.
    13. "Football Schedule". Ohio State Buckeyes. January 20, 2020. Retrieved January 20, 2020.
    14. "Report: Ohio State and Nebraska football communicating behind scenes on Big Ten postponement". Buckeyes Wire. 2020-09-04. Retrieved 2020-10-01.
    15. "Nebraska vs Ohio State". ESPN. Retrieved October 20, 2020.
    16. Austro, Ben (December 23, 2020). "2020-21 bowl officiating assignments". footballzebras.com. Retrieved January 1, 2021.
    17. Austro, Ben (December 23, 2020). "2020-21 bowl officiating assignments". footballzebras.com. Retrieved January 1, 2021.
    18. "Alabama vs. Ohio State Updated Odds". oddsshark.com. Retrieved January 10, 2021.
    19. "Justin Fields Tommy Togiai earn Big Ten Player of the Week Honors". Eleven Warriors. 2020-11-02. Retrieved 2020-11-02.
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